Mirror, mirror on the wall which is the fairest chateau of them all? It is Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly. This isn’t your typical castle. Today, we will explore Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly. It is a blend of history and modern art.
Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly has quite the story. In the 16th century, Jean Bourdereul built the first ch\u00e2teau. He was a lawyer. Later, in the 18th century, Marquis Ren\u00e9 de Thom\u00e9 bought the estate. He modernized Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly.
Fast forward to 1819. Isaac Thuret, a Dutch merchant, purchased it. His wife, Henrietta, truly transformed the place. She added a billiard room. She also turned the chapel into a library. Even more impressive she created an English-style park.
The Andr\u00e9 family acquired the estate in 1846. They were the founders of the Jacquemart-Andr\u00e9 Museum. They added two wings to Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly. This gave it a Louis XIII style. They also created a French-style garden. It included reflecting pools.
In 1890, the Menier family bought the estate. They were famous chocolatiers. They owned it until 1988. The Meniers made changes too. They built Turkish baths. They converted stables into garages. During World War II, the Germans occupied the ch\u00e2teau. They later set it on fire. Jacques Menier lived in some of the outbuildings. The ch\u00e2teau was rebuilt between 1953 and 1954. It was simpler than before.
For many years Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly was not really inhabited. It slowly fell into disrepair. In 1988, the Meniers sold it. Various redevelopment plans were considered. However, they never materialized.
The Communaut\u00e9 d’Agglom\u00e9ration Marne-et-Gondoire bought Rentilly in 2001. They opened the park to the public in 2006. In 2012, they decided to renovate the ch\u00e2teau. It would become an exhibition space for the FRAC \u00cele-de-France.
That is when Xavier Veilhan came in. He is an artist. Along with architects Bona-Lemercier and set designer Alexis Bertrand, Veilhan transformed the ch\u00e2teau. They covered it in mirrors. This highlighted the park around it. The ch\u00e2teau reopened on November 22, 2014. It was the opening of its first exhibition.
Today, Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly is a major contemporary art space. It is home to the FRAC \u00cele-de-France collection. The mirror facade reflects the park. This gives it a strong visual identity. The interior has been modernized. It features exhibition halls and a panoramic terrace.
So, as you stand before Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly think of its many lives. From a family home to a modern art space it reflects history and innovation. It is free to visit. Take your time and enjoy the blend of art and nature here at Ch\u00e2teau de Rentilly.